IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026: Course Details, Qualification & Attempt Limits

INTRODUCTION

The Indian Police Service (IPS) remains one of the most prestigious designations within the Indian Civil Services. As we look toward the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026, aspirants must align their academic journey with the specific course requirements and regulatory standards set by the Union Public Service Commission.

Understanding the IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026 is the first step for students currently in their undergraduate streams. This guide breaks down the essential educational qualifications, age limits, and physical standards required to qualify for this elite technical and administrative cadre.

IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026: Academic & Stream Requirements

To be considered for the IPS, a candidate must navigate a rigorous selection process starting with their educational foundation. Unlike many specialized technical roles, the UPSC offers flexibility in terms of undergraduate streams, but the degree itself is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

1. Educational Qualification for IPS 2026

The core IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026 regarding education is straightforward:

• Degree Requirement: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a university incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament.

• Recognized Universities: Degrees from Deemed Universities (under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956) are also valid.

• Stream Flexibility: Students from Engineering, Medical, Commerce, Humanities, or Pure Sciences are all equally eligible. There is no minimum percentage required in graduation to sit for the exam; a simple pass is sufficient.

• Final Year Students: If you are in your final year of a degree course in 2026, you are eligible to apply for the UPSC Prelims. However, you must produce proof of passing the degree examination at the time of appearing for the Civil Services (Main) Examination.

2. Nationality

For the Indian Police Service (IPS), the candidate must be a citizen of India. While other services like the IFS or IRS may allow subjects of Nepal or Bhutan under specific conditions, the IPS is strictly reserved for Indian nationals due to its sensitive nature in national internal security.

IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit & Relaxations

The age limit is a critical filter in the UPSC selection process. For the 2026 cycle, the crucial date for determining age is August 1, 2026.

Category-wise Age Breakdown

The following table outlines the IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026 for age across different categories:

Category	Minimum Age	Maximum Age	Age Relaxation
General / EWS	21 Years	32 Years	None
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	21 Years	35 Years	3 Years
SC / ST	21 Years	37 Years	5 Years
PwBD (General/EWS/OBC)	21 Years	42 Years	10 Years
Ex-Servicemen	21 Years	37 Years	5 Years

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Number of Attempts for IPS 2026

The number of times a candidate can appear for the exam is capped based on their category. An "attempt" is counted if the candidate actually appears in at least one paper of the Preliminary Examination.

• General / EWS: 6 Attempts

• OBC: 9 Attempts

• SC / ST: Unlimited (Until the maximum age limit is reached)

• PwBD: 9 Attempts for General/OBC; Unlimited for SC/ST.

Physical Standards: The "Course" of Physical Fitness

Unlike the IAS, the IPS has stringent physical requirements. Even if you secure a high rank, failing the medical and physical standards can result in disqualification from the IPS cadre.

1. Height Requirements

• Male (General/OBC/SC): 165 cm

• Male (ST/Gorkhas/Assamese/Kumaonis): 160 cm

• Female (General/OBC/SC): 150 cm

• Female (ST/Gorkhas/Assamese/Kumaonis): 145 cm

2. Chest Girth

• Male: Minimum 84 cm (Expansion: 5 cm)

• Female: Minimum 79 cm (Expansion: 5 cm)

3. Vision Standards

• Distant Vision: 6/6 or 6/9 for the better eye.

• Near Vision: J1 (Better eye), J2 (Worse eye).

• Correction: Spectacles are permitted, but high-grade color vision is mandatory. Candidates with "Night Blindness" or "Squint" are generally disqualified.

Key Dates for UPSC 2026

Staying ahead of the timeline is vital for your application strategy.

• Notification Date: Expected January 14, 2026.

• Last Date to Apply: Expected February 3, 2026.

• UPSC Prelims 2026: May 24, 2026.

• UPSC Mains 2026: Starting August 21, 2026.

FAQs: IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026

Q1: Can an Engineering student meet the IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026? 

Ans: Yes, students from any stream, including B.E., are fully eligible as long as they hold a degree from a recognized university.

Q2: Is there a minimum percentage required in graduation for IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026? 

Ans: No, the UPSC does not mandate a minimum percentage. You only need to have passed your degree course to fulfill the IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026.

Q3: What is the age limit for a general category student under IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026? 

Ans: A General category student must be at least 21 years old and not more than 32 years old as of August 1, 2026.

Q4: Are final-year students eligible under the IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026? 

Ans: Yes, students in their final year can apply for the Preliminary exam. However, they must provide their final degree results during the DAF (Detailed Application Form) for the Mains.

Q5: How many attempts are allowed for an OBC candidate in the IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026? 

Ans: An OBC candidate is allowed a maximum of 9 attempts until the age of 35, according to the IPS Eligibility Criteria 2026.

Conclusion

The path to becoming an IPS officer in 2026 requires more than just academic brilliance; it demands a clear understanding of the regulatory framework set by the UPSC. From choosing the right undergraduate stream to maintaining the requisite physical fitness, every detail counts. Ensure you keep your documents (Category certificates, Degree marksheet) updated to avoid last-minute disqualifications.

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